REMINDER: USDA Accepting Applications for Agribusiness Trade Mission to Dominican Republic WASHINGTON, March 19, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service is now accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, scheduled for July 13-17, 2025. Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in exploring trade opportunities in the region must apply by April 2, 2025. “With strong economic growth and rising demand for high-quality food in the Dominican Republic, now is an ideal time for U.S. agribusinesses to expand their presence,” said Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley. “This trade mission will connect U.S. exporters with key buyers and help them forge partnerships to tap into this dynamic market.” The Dominican Republic is the largest economy in the Caribbean and the seventh-largest economy in Latin America. Since the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement took effect in 2007, U.S. agricultural exports to the Dominican Republic have doubled, reaching $2 billion in 2024. CAFTA-DR has phased out almost all tariffs, and the agreement further strengthens the position of U.S. products in the region. Consumer-oriented products represent the largest share of U.S. agricultural exports to the Dominican Republic, with growing demand across multiple sectors, including: Beef, pork, poultry and related products Dairy products Snack, bakery and confectionery products Fresh fruit Wine and distilled spirits Dog and cat food During the trade mission, participants will join buyers from the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica for targeted business-to-business meetings to explore and discuss potential business opportunities in each country. Foreign Agricultural Service staff and regional experts will also provide in-depth market briefings, lead informative site visits and host networking events.  For more information or to apply, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions/dominican-republic-july-2025. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The agribusiness trade mission to the Dominican Republic is one of several USDA-led export promotion initiatives in 2025. Recent trade missions to Thailand and Guatemala yielded successes for U.S. exporters. Application periods have closed for upcoming trade missions to Hong Kong and Peru, and USDA will announce application details for planned missions to Côte d'Ivoire, Mexico and Taiwan soon. To learn more about FAS Agribusiness Trade Missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.   USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

The following GAIN reports were released on March 28, 2025. _______     Argentina: FAIRS Country Report Annual This report is an overview and update of regulations and standards for importing U.S. food and beverage products to Argentina. Post recommends U.S. suppliers interested in the Argentine food market to contact the FAS Buenos Aires Office at AgBuenosAires@usda.gov or +54-11-5777-4627, or contact local importers to discuss import requirements applicable to specific products.   China: Restaurant Promotion Boosts US Beef and Lobster Sales in Northeast China ATO Shenyang organized a U.S. beef and lobster menu promotion at a high-end restaurant in Changchun, starting with a launch event on December 10 featuring a cooking demonstration with a Shanghai-based celebrity chef. With monthly sales of the two products surging 7 times higher than the previous month, the restaurant continued the promotion at no cost for another month before adding the dishes into its permanent menu. The promotion generated about $30,000 in additional sales of U.S. beef and lobster, plus $169,000 in projected 12-month sales. Moreover, the restaurant created a giftbox of USDA Prime beef available throughout China, selling $89,530 in the two months leading to Chinese New Year. The ATO spent $6,200 to fund this activity, resulting in a return of 46:1 in support of American ranchers and fishermen.   Philippines: Grain and Feed Annual FAS Manila forecasts an increase in milled rice production in Marketing Year (MY) 2025/26 compared to the previous MY, due to favorable weather conditions and an increase in government funding for the rice industry. FAS Manila forecasts rice imports to decline in MY 2025/26 compared to the previous MY, given a rebound in local production in MY 2025/26, higher stock carryover from MY 2024/25, and the imposition of the maximum suggested retail price on imported premium rice. FAS Manila forecasts corn production to increase in MY 2025/26 compared to the previous MY, due to favorable weather conditions. FAS Manila forecasts that the increase in local corn production will not keep pace with food and feed demand, resulting in a forecast increase in corn imports in MY 2025/26. FAS Manila forecasts wheat imports to grow in MY 2025/26 compared to the previous MY, due to increased demand for milling wheat, while feed wheat imports are expected to remain flat due to an increase in price competitiveness of feed corn.   For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.

The following GAIN reports were released on March 27, 2025.

_______

 

 

China: GACC Extends Facility Registration and Sets New Deadline

The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine (DAPQ) expanded the list of commodities that require export facility registration. GACC DAPQ requested that the registrations of the newly covered commodities be submitted by May 31, 2025 by the respective government counterparts. Management and staff exporting relevant products to China from their facilities are encouraged to contact FASChinaDAPQRegistrations@usda.gov with questions.

 

Egypt: Grain and Feed Annual

Egypt’s wheat imports for marketing year 2025/26 are estimated at 13.0 million metric tons, unchanged from Post’s estimate in the previous marketing year which was revised upward by 4 percent due to the availability of forex contributing to an increase in imports. Wheat flour exports to other Middle Eastern and African countries continue to increase due to the lack of operating milling capacities in countries of conflict. Total corn consumption is forecasted to increase to 15.8 MMT as the poultry sector rebounds. Rice imports are estimated at 185,000 MT in MY 2025/26, unchanged from Post’s previous estimate.

 

 

For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.

The following GAIN reports were released on March 26, 2025.

_______

 

 

Australia: Australia Federal Budget 2025 and the Agricultural Sector

Australia's 2025 Federal Budget allocates significant funds to support and grow the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors, with measures focused on climate resilience, trade, and food security, including funding for drought preparedness, emissions reduction, and market access.

 

Dominican Republic: Food Processing Ingredients Annual

The Dominican Republic’s food processing industry totaled $2.90 billion for calendar year (CY) 2024, in activities categorized as “food industry.” Beverages and other food products accounted for an additional $1.02 billion during the same period. Key drivers in the industry consist of meat and dairy processing, wheat milling, and bakery products. The United States continues to be a leading supplier of essential ingredients, including meats, edible oils, fats, dairy products, and wheat. A notable trend in 2024 is the easing of inflation, which has prompted consumers to allocate more spending toward non-essential items. Additionally, the rise of supermarket chains, particularly outside major cities, has diversified the food market. As a result, private label brands have gained popularity, offering cost-effective alternatives and introducing a broader range of products. This allows consumers to maximize value while exploring a wider variety of options.

 

India: Cotton and Products Annual

FAS Mumbai forecasts marketing year (MY) 2025/26 India cotton production at 25 million 480 lb. bales on 11.4 million hectares of planted area, a three percent decrease from the previous year due to an expected shift of planted area to higher-return crops such as pulses and oilseeds. Mill consumption is estimated at 25.7 million 480 lb. bales, as yarn and textile demand remains steady in major international markets. Imports are likely to remain strong to supplement insufficient domestic supplies.

 

Morocco: FAIRS Country Report Annual

This report outlines Moroccan government requirements for the importation of food and agricultural products for human and animal consumption. The report aims to assist U.S. exporters by providing an assessment of laws and requirements for food and agricultural products imposed on imports. It also provides points of contact for key Moroccan government authorities.

 

Pakistan: Cotton and Products Annual

Driven by a minor increase in area and assuming average yields, cotton production is expected to increase somewhat in 2025/26. With expectations for continued strong export demand, domestic use is forecast to grow modestly in 2025/26. Despite the increased use, the expected boost in local production is forecast to result in a decrease in imports from the record level anticipated in 2024/25. Absent a change in tax policy, the trends of widespread underreporting of production and rising yarn imports, especially from China, are expected to continue in 2025/26.

 

Peru: Food Processing Ingredients Annual

Peru boasts a thriving food processing industry that plays a crucial role in its economy. This sector contributes approximately 27 percent to the country's industrial gross domestic product. In 2024, Peru's food industry experienced a remarkable recovery, achieving an overall growth rate of 7.1 percent. Notably, food processors in Peru significantly depend on imported ingredients. Exports of U.S.-origin food processing ingredients to Peru reached $199 million in 2024.

 

Turkey: Turkiye Announces New Crop Production Model

In November 2024, the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MinAF) unveiled details of its Agricultural Production Plan (Plan), which aims to optimize and make Turkish agriculture more sustainable. The Plan prioritizes the production of grain, livestock, and aquaculture and has an implementation start date of 2025. This new approach to production is expected to change the mix of agricultural products being produced in Türkiye in the years to come. However, it’s too early to assess the direction and magnitude of any potential shift in production.

 

 

For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.

The following GAIN reports were released on March 25, 2025.

_______

 

Ecuador: Food Processing Ingredients Annual

The food processing industry is an important component of Ecuador’s manufacturing sector. This sector contributes 56 percent to Ecuador’s manufacturing gross domestic product and grossed $14 billion in net sales. Excellent sales prospects exist for U.S. food ingredient products to supply this industry. This report provides a road map for exporters wishing to enter the market. It provides information on the key channels of distribution for food ingredients and highlights growing product segments including industrially processed foods, beverages, and edible fisheries products. Exporters should be aware of a new regulation to obtain sanitary notifications that may come into force this year. U.S. food ingredient products present exceptional sales opportunities within this industry.

 

 

For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.The following GAIN reports were released on March 21, 2025.

_______

 

Brazil: Oilseeds and Products Annual

Post forecasts that Brazilian producers will expand soybean planted area to 48.2 million hectares (ha) in the 2025/26 season, up from an estimated 47.3 million ha in 2024/25. Soybean production for 2025/26 is projected to reach 173 million metric tons (mmt), an increase from the estimated 169.5 mmt harvested this season. Soybean exports are projected to reach record levels this season, with total exports estimated at 108.3 MMT for MY 2024/25 and 112 mmt for MY 2025/26. Similarly, peanut and palm oil planted area and production are expected to increase, driven by new market opportunities and the rise in demand for product derivatives. Following Brazil’s emergence as the world's leading cotton exporter in MY 2023/24, cottonseed area and production are forecast to continue rising in the 2025/26 season, supported by domestic opportunities, strategic planting decisions (second crop), profitability, and growing global demand.

 

Cambodia: Cambodia Ends Frozen Pork Offal Ban

On March 11, 2025, the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia announced the import ban on frozen pork offal would end on March 12, 2025. Cambodia placed a temporary ban on several types of Frozen offal in March 2024, the ban on all other affected products was lifted in September 2024.

 

Kenya: Kenya's Court of Appeal Issued an Injunction on Genetically Engineered Products

On Friday, March 7, 2025, Kenya’s Court of Appeal put a hold on the trade and cultivation of genetically engineered (GE) products until an appeal filed by the Kenya Peasants League is fully heard. A lower court had removed a long-standing ban on GE products in November 2024, temporarily opening Kenya to global feed markets and agro-technology; however, this appeals court decision paused any movement until a subsequent hearing in late 2025. Both feed and seed industry actors had taken steps to import GE products since November.

 

Mexico: Grain and Feed Annual

Mexico’s grain production outlook for marketing year (MY) 2025/2026 is higher for corn, rice, and sorghum due to higher local prices driving farmer planting decisions. In contrast, wheat production is expected to drop due to low dam levels in Sonora and Sinaloa. Wheat and rice imports are expected to increase with rising consumption from population growth and reduced wheat output. Corn imports are expected to decrease based on increased production and carryover from record imports in MY 2024/2025.

 

Mexico: Mexico Enacts Constitutional Amendment on the Protection of Native Corn

On March 17, 2025, Mexico adopted a constitutional amendment banning domestic cultivation of “genetically modified” corn – defined as corn “produced with techniques that overcome the natural barriers of reproduction or recombination, such as transgenics” – and requiring “any other use” of such corn to be evaluated “to be free of threats to the biosafety, health and biocultural heritage of Mexico and its population.” While the amendment codifies a longstanding de facto ban on cultivation, it leaves ambiguous the scope of restrictions on “other use[s],” such as corn grain imported for food or feed use.

 

South Africa: Grain and Feed Annual

FAS/Pretoria’s Grain and Feed annual report provides information on the production, supply, and distribution for corn, wheat, and rice in South Africa for marketing year (MY) 2023/24, MY 2024/25, and MY 2025/26. South Africa's overall agricultural outlook for MY 2025/26 is optimistic, with both corn and wheat production expected to see improvements on stable planting area. MY 2025/26 consumption for the major grains is expected to grow slightly, with a strong rebound for corn exports following an expected drop in MY 2024/25. However, the broader economic challenges facing South Africa, such as policy uncertainty, logistical infrastructure, and unemployment issues, remain a concern and could impact the long-term sustainability of consumption growth.

 

Taiwan: Food Processing Ingredients Annual

In 2024, Taiwan imported US$3.8 billion agricultural products from the US, which accounted for 24.81 percent of the island’s total import value. Its food processing industry produced $30 billion of processed food and beverages, among which the strongest subsectors are animal feed, butchery, meat processing, backed goods, and non-alcoholic beverages. The aged market is attracted to healthy and safe products with added nutritional benefits, as well as convenient, single portion products to better suit the changing family structure.

 

Ukraine: Livestock and Products Semi-annual

The efficiency of Ukraine’s beef production remains low, with most beef derived from dairy animals. Post expects livestock numbers and beef production to decrease in 2025, continuing a three-decade-long trend. Ukraine will remain a large live cattle exporter, with the Middle East as the primary export market, but exports of both live animals and beef will be depressed by lower animal inventory. In 2025, swine inventory is expected to decrease further after the 2024 drop caused by African Swine Fever (ASF). The number of ASF cases was significant in January-February 2025, endangering production in both household and industrial farms; however, the production decline is likely to be small and will depend on ASF developments over the rest of the year. Ukraine will have to resume pork imports to sustain domestic consumption.

 

 

For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.